Authorities arrested a 42-year-old man, Joshua Runkles, after he was caught impersonating a law enforcement officer at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The incident occurred a day before the memorial service for conservative activist Charlie Kirk, scheduled for Sunday.
Runkles was reportedly armed and displayed “suspicious behavior” on September 19, according to Bart Graves, spokesperson for the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
🚨🇺🇸Man arrested inside State Farm stadium ahead of Kirk memorial found with “loaded pistol, revolver, and several knives” according to court docs.
He claimed to be working security detail for Turing Point USA.
Police say Joshua Patrick Runkles presented a Franklin County… pic.twitter.com/ERX12fwJpl
— Lenka White (@white_lenka) September 20, 2025
Impersonation and Arrest
Runkles claimed to Secret Service agents that he was a law enforcement officer providing security at the event, but officials confirmed he was unauthorized to work there.
“The individual is not a member of authorized law enforcement working the event and is currently in custody,” said Anthony Guglielmi, spokesperson for the Secret Service.
Runkles was booked into Maricopa County Jail on charges of impersonating a law enforcement officer and carrying a weapon into a prohibited area. He has since been released on bond. Secret Service and local authorities are investigating his intentions.
Charlie Kirk’s Memorial Service
The memorial, organized by Turning Point USA, honors Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old co-founder of the conservative activism group, who was fatally shot on September 10 during his “American Comeback Tour” at Utah Valley University.
High-profile attendees are expected, including President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and other senior officials from the Trump administration. The event has been designated a Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) Level 1 by the Department of Homeland Security, enabling the deployment of broad security resources.
Who Is Joshua Runkles?
Runkles was reportedly carrying a knife, a gun, and expired law enforcement credentials when detained. He told Secret Service agents he was there to provide private security and handed over inactive law enforcement credentials.
Reports indicate Runkles is a former deputy sheriff from Idaho. Secret Service noted he entered the stadium before a secure perimeter was established, raising concerns about event safety.
“The individual was approached by Secret Service and stated during the encounter that he was a member of law enforcement and that he was armed. The individual is not a member of authorized law enforcement working the event and is currently in custody,” Guglielmi told the New York Post.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety confirmed the arrest. Runkles faces a felony for impersonating an officer and a misdemeanor for carrying a weapon into a prohibited place.
Authorities continue to investigate his intentions at the stadium.
